CMMC Compliance Readiness

Secure your business, meet DoD requirements, and elevate your cybersecurity standards with Tolar Systems.

Get a CMMC Consultation

DoD Contractors: Expert CMMC 2.0 Readiness

With enforcement phases actively rolling out through 2026, Tolar Systems can help DoD contractors confidently prepare for CMMC and secure their contracts.

Gap Analysis & Strategy

We start by identifying where Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) reside in your environment. We map your current security posture against NIST 800-171 controls to build a strategic roadmap to certification.

Documentation & Remediation

We work closely with your team to develop the required documentation, including your System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M). Together, we remediate gaps by implementing necessary cybersecurity controls.

Audit Process Support

Navigating a third-party audit can be complex. We support you through the entire process by helping organize and present the exact evidence needed—from system configurations to log behaviors—to demonstrate full compliance.

Get a CMMC Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions for DoD Contractors

As we move through the critical 2026 CMMC deadlines, here is what you need to know.

What is the current timeline for CMMC 2.0 compliance?

CMMC 2.0 implementation is actively rolling out. Phase 1 began in November 2025, requiring Level 1 and Level 2 self-assessments in applicable solicitations. Phase 2 starts November 10, 2026, which introduces mandatory third-party (C3PAO) certification requirements for Level 2 contracts. Preparation typically takes 9-12 months, so starting early is critical to maintain contract eligibility.

Any organization within the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain must demonstrate compliance. This applies to prime contractors and subcontractors who process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

  • Level 1 (Foundational): Requires an annual self-assessment of 17 basic cyber hygiene practices to protect FCI.
  • Level 2 (Advanced): Requires adherence to 110 security practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171 to protect CUI. For most contracts, this requires an assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) every three years.
  • Level 3 (Expert): Requires implementing 110+ practices (NIST SP 800-172) and is assessed by the government for highly sensitive defense programs.

CMMC 2.0 allows limited use of POA&Ms for Levels 2 and 3, but strict rules apply. Critical security controls cannot be deferred to a POA&M, and permitted items must be closed out within 180 days. Level 1 does not permit the use of POA&Ms at all.

While true COTS products have exemptions, the “COTS” label isn’t a blanket free pass. If your business processes purchase orders with contract details, stores FCI, or interacts with CUI in any way, you will still trigger CMMC requirements (at least Level 1). Always verify data handling responsibilities with your prime or contracting officer.

Beyond Compliance:
Elevating Your Security Standard

For clients who are not directly impacted by CMMC, this conversation is still highly valuable. The security expectations behind CMMC reflect a higher standard of cybersecurity.

Adopting these principles can help reduce risk, strengthen your internal controls, and better protect your business from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Even without a federal mandate, many organizations benefit immensely from taking proactive steps toward this elite level of security.

Get a CMMC Consultation